sarahelainechalmers's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Thingvellir, Iceland

Þingvellir Church

This beautiful, historic church looks like something out of a simpler past.
Thingvellir, Iceland

Þingvellir

The picturesque birthplace of Icelandic democracy is drenched in the blood of its brutal past.
Iceland

Gullfoss (Golden Falls)

If a glacial river suddenly diving into a sheer chasm via a dramatic, multi-stage waterfall isn't peak Iceland, it's certainly close.
Iceland

Haukadalur Geothermal Field

This valley of hot springs and boiling mud pots is home to the record-holding "Geysir," which originated the English word.
Grindavík, Iceland

Blue Lagoon

Medicinal spa created with the discharge from a geothermal energy plant.
Munich, Germany

Eisbachwelle

Go surfing on this urban wave, "hacked" by local surfers.
Munich, Germany

Der Teufelstritt (The Devil's Footprint)

The footprint of a frustrated devil in Munich's Cathedral.
Munich, Germany

Rathaus-Glockenspiel

Daily jousts and dancing barrel makers in Munich's mechanical clock.
Cádiz, Spain

Electricity Pylons of Cadiz

The world's most elegant power lines.
Barcelona, Spain

'Dona i Ocell' ('Woman and Bird')

This colorful statue welcomes visitors to a Barcelona park.
Vilafranca del Penedès, Spain

Castells of Catalonia

Living towers made of people that are now recognized by UNESCO.
Barcelona, Spain

Las Arenas de Barcelona

An early 20th-century bullring converted into a modern shopping center.
Bilbao, Spain

Jeff Koons' Puppy

Giant topiary dog once played a role in a terrorist bomb plot.
Madrid, Spain

El Oso y el Madroño (The Bear and the Strawberry Tree)

This sweet-toothed bear searching for snacks has been a symbol of Madrid for decades.
Ronda, Spain

Puente Nuevo

One of the most spectacular bridges in Spain spans a narrow chasm that divides the city of Ronda.
Córdoba, Spain

Cross of the Captive

A curious carving hides on a marble column in the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba.
Monistrol de Montserrat, Spain

Santa Cova of Montserrat

Holy Grotto of Montserrat Monastery holds one of Europe's mysterious black Madonnas.
Barcelona, Spain

Street Performers of Las Ramblas

The iconic boulevard is the perfect place to catch sight of a bicycling skeleton, a levitating Satan, or a chef with his head stuck in a pizza.
Ronda, Spain

Ronda, Spain

Three bridges and one giant canyon make up this fantastic Spanish settlement.
Barcelona, Spain

Sagrada Família

Construction of Barcelona's iconic (but controversial) church is expected to be completed in 2026—a century after the death of its architect.
Vienna, Austria

Hundertwasser's Odd Architecture

Op-art architecture designed for happiness.
Vienna, Austria

Vienna Grand Ferris Wheel

Vienna's giant wonder wheel had a starring role in one of the greatest noir movies of all time.
Liverpool, England

'Penelope' Sculpture

This whimsical public art installation is a unique homage to Liverpool's industrial heritage.
Liverpool, England

The Calderstones

Six neolithic sandstone boulders remaining from a dolmen.